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Free Eye Screening in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin-City, Nigeria
Abstract
Aims: To determine if free eye screening can improve clinic attendance, bed occupancy and detect previously unrecognized diseases in tertiary hospitals.
Methods: A free eye screening programme was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital over 5 days. The demographic data of the subjects were obtained, their eyes were examined and the findings recorded. The number of patients attending clinic and bed occupancy at one week, one month and three months after screening were determined.
Results: There were 188 subjects comprising 123 males and 65 females. The most common conditions seen were refractive errors (44.1%), cataract (26.1%), allergic conjunctivitis (10.6%), glaucoma (9%) and pterygium (7.4%). There was a considerable increase in daily clinic attendance and bed occupancy over the next three months.
Conclusions: Free eye screening programmes are useful for identification and treatment of potentially blinding eye conditions. They also help in providing awareness and improved utilization of hospital services. Clinic attendance and bed occupancy are considerably improved after such events.
Key Words: Eye screening, Free, University Hospital.
Journal of College of Medicine 2005: 9(2): 110-112
Methods: A free eye screening programme was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital over 5 days. The demographic data of the subjects were obtained, their eyes were examined and the findings recorded. The number of patients attending clinic and bed occupancy at one week, one month and three months after screening were determined.
Results: There were 188 subjects comprising 123 males and 65 females. The most common conditions seen were refractive errors (44.1%), cataract (26.1%), allergic conjunctivitis (10.6%), glaucoma (9%) and pterygium (7.4%). There was a considerable increase in daily clinic attendance and bed occupancy over the next three months.
Conclusions: Free eye screening programmes are useful for identification and treatment of potentially blinding eye conditions. They also help in providing awareness and improved utilization of hospital services. Clinic attendance and bed occupancy are considerably improved after such events.
Key Words: Eye screening, Free, University Hospital.
Journal of College of Medicine 2005: 9(2): 110-112
